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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 2311 min read

How Should a Christian Understand the Age of the Earth Controversy?

Introduction to the Age of the Earth Controversy


The age of the earth controversy is a significant discussion among Christians, particularly between young-earth creationists (YECs) and old-earth creationists (OECs). This debate did not become particularly heated until the latter third of the twentieth century. While theistic evolutionists and those who do not hold to biblical inerrancy have little interest in the issue, the primary dispute lies between YECs and OECs. Both sides agree that Adam’s creation occurred thousands of years ago, not millions, and both reject Darwinian common descent. However, they differ significantly on the interpretation of the days of creation and the age of the earth itself.


Young-Earth Creationism (YEC) Perspective


Young-earth creationists believe that the earth is approximately 6,000 to 10,000 years old, based on a literal interpretation of the biblical genealogies and the days of creation in Genesis 1. They assert that the six days of creation were consecutive 24-hour periods. This view is rooted in a straightforward reading of Scripture, where "day" (Hebrew: yom) is interpreted as a literal day.


Genesis 1:5 states, "God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day." YECs argue that the repeated phrase "evening and morning" suggests a 24-hour day. Additionally, Exodus 20:11 supports this view: "For in six days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day."



Old-Earth Creationism (OEC) Perspective


Old-earth creationists, on the other hand, interpret the days of Genesis as long periods of time or epochs. They argue that the Hebrew word yom can mean various lengths of time, depending on the context. For example, Genesis 2:4 uses yom to refer to the entire period of creation: "These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that Jehovah God made the earth and the heavens."


OECs believe that the scientific evidence for an old earth (approximately 4.5 billion years) does not contradict Scripture when understood properly. They point out that the Bible’s primary purpose is not to provide a scientific account but to reveal theological truths about God and His creation. Psalm 90:4 says, "For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night," suggesting that God’s perspective on time is different from human perception.



Theological and Doctrinal Concerns


One of the major theological concerns for YECs is the issue of death before the fall. They argue that an old earth implies that animal death occurred before Adam’s sin, which contradicts their interpretation of Romans 5:12: "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." YECs contend that this verse teaches that death entered the world through Adam’s sin, thus precluding animal death before the fall.


OECs respond by noting that Romans 5:12 speaks specifically about human death as a result of sin, not animal death. They argue that the Bible does not explicitly address the issue of animal death before the fall, and therefore, it is not a doctrinal necessity to hold that no animal death occurred before Adam’s sin.


Interpreting Genesis in Light of Scientific Discoveries


Both YECs and OECs seek to harmonize Scripture with scientific discoveries, though they approach this task differently. YECs often interpret scientific data in a way that aligns with a young earth. For example, they may attribute the fossil record to the global flood described in Genesis 6-9. Genesis 7:19-20 describes the extent of the flood: "And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered."


OECs, however, interpret the same scientific data to support an old earth. They may view the fossil record as evidence of God’s creative acts over long periods of time. Job 12:7-10 reflects on God’s creation: "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of Jehovah has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."



The Role of Science and Scripture


Some YECs worry that old-earth interpretations make the Bible subservient to science. They argue that Scripture should be the ultimate authority and that science must be interpreted through a biblical lens. However, OECs contend that the Bible and science can complement each other. They believe that God’s revelation through nature (general revelation) and Scripture (special revelation) should be in harmony.


Psalm 19:1-4 highlights the harmony between God’s works and His word: "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."


Discover how science supports the Bible. Explore the harmony between scientific discoveries and scriptural truths. Start reading now!


Addressing Common Misconceptions


One common misconception is that belief in an old earth is synonymous with accepting Darwinian evolution. While Darwinian macroevolution requires long ages, not all who believe in an old earth accept macroevolution. OECs often reject macroevolution and instead hold to a model of progressive creation, where God intervened at various points to create new life forms.


It is also important to note that YECs and OECs both accept microevolution, which refers to changes within species over time. Genesis 1:24 states, "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds: livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.' And it was so." This verse suggests that while there is variation within created kinds, there are limits to these changes.


Historical Context of the Controversy


The age of the earth controversy has historical roots in the scientific discoveries of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The discovery of extinct animals such as dinosaurs and the development of geological time scales challenged traditional interpretations of Genesis. Early proponents of an old earth, such as geologist Charles Lyell, influenced the scientific community’s understanding of earth’s history.


However, it is crucial to recognize that the Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal God’s character and His relationship with humanity, not to provide a detailed scientific account. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."


The Importance of Unity in the Church


While the age of the earth is an important issue, it should not be a source of division within the church. Both YECs and OECs agree on the essential doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the authority of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Romans 14:1-4 encourages believers to accept one another despite differences in non-essential matters: "As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls."


The age of the earth controversy is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of both biblical interpretation and scientific evidence. Christians should approach this debate with humility and grace, recognizing that faithful believers can hold differing views on the matter. The ultimate goal is to glorify God and proclaim the truth of His Word, fostering unity within the body of Christ.


Through examining the evidence and reflecting on the biblical perspective, it is possible to find a balanced and thoughtful understanding of the age of the earth. By doing so, believers can strengthen their faith and witness, demonstrating that science and Scripture are not in conflict but rather complement each other in revealing the majesty and wisdom of the Creator.



The following is this author's view based on the evidence below. It is also the view of the two greatest Christian apologists of the 20th/21st centuries: Norman L. Geisler and Gleason L. Archer. If the reader wants exhaustive evidence, please consider the book right above this paragraph.


Were the Six Days of Creation Literal Days of 24 Hours?


Understanding the Definition of "Day" in Genesis


The word "day" in the Bible, particularly in the Genesis account, has been a subject of extensive debate among scholars and theologians. In Genesis 1, the term "day" (Hebrew: יוֹם, yom) is used to describe the six days of creation. A critical examination of the biblical text reveals that "day" can refer to various lengths of time depending on the context.


The Creation Week in Genesis 1


Genesis 1:1-31 details the six days of creation, followed by a day of rest. The description of each day concludes with the phrase, "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day," and so forth for each subsequent day. This phraseology has led some to argue that these days were literal 24-hour periods. However, the Hebrew word "yom" does not always denote a literal day of 24 hours.


Example of Extended "Day" Usage


One notable example of "day" referring to an extended period is found in Genesis 2:4, which states, "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens." Here, "day" refers to the entire creation period, not a single 24-hour day.


Biblical References to "Day" as Long Periods


Several other scriptures support the idea that "day" can represent longer periods:


  1. Psalm 90:4: "For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night."

  2. 2 Peter 3:8: "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."


These verses suggest that God's perspective of time differs significantly from human understanding, reinforcing the notion that the "days" of creation could span thousands of years.


The Context of the Creation Account


The Structure of Genesis 1


The structure of Genesis 1 is highly ordered and thematic, possibly serving a literary rather than a strictly chronological purpose. Each day introduces different elements of creation, often paired in a complementary fashion:


  • Day 1 and Day 4: Light and celestial bodies.

  • Day 2 and Day 5: Sky and sea, and the creatures within them.

  • Day 3 and Day 6: Land, vegetation, and land animals including humans.


The Use of "Day" in Ancient Near Eastern Literature


The ancient Near Eastern context also provides insights. In various cultures surrounding ancient Israel, creation accounts often used symbolic language and extended time periods to describe divine acts of creation. The Hebrew creation narrative may similarly employ "day" as a symbolic framework to convey theological truths about God's creative power and orderliness.


Context of Events in the Garden of Eden on the Sixth Day


The events described in the Garden of Eden on the sixth day of creation suggest a period longer than a literal 24-hour day. According to Genesis 2:18-20, God brought every beast of the field and every bird of the sky to Adam to see what he would call them. This task of naming the animals implies careful observation and interaction with each creature, an endeavor likely taking more than a single day given the diversity and number of animals created.


Moreover, Genesis 2:20-22 details how Adam, after naming the animals, experienced loneliness because "for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him." The idea that Adam could grow lonely within just a few hours of observing and naming the animals seems implausible. The creation of Eve, as described in Genesis 2:21-22, involved God causing Adam to fall into a deep sleep, taking one of his ribs, and fashioning it into a woman. The emotional development of loneliness and the subsequent divine surgery and creation process indicate a lengthier and more complex timeframe than a literal 24-hour day.


Theological Implications of Creation "Days"


God's Sovereignty and Power


The creation account emphasizes God's sovereignty and omnipotence. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This declaration underscores God's role as the ultimate source of all that exists, contrasting sharply with other ancient creation myths that depict creation as the result of conflict among gods.


Creation According to Kinds


Genesis 1:11, 21, 24 repeatedly uses the phrase "according to their kinds," highlighting that God created distinct kinds of plants and animals, each capable of reproducing within its kind. This refutes the idea that life evolved from simple to complex forms through random processes. Instead, it asserts a purposeful and orderly creation.


The Role of Humanity


Humanity holds a special place in creation, being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This imago Dei grants humans a unique role and responsibility within the created order, including stewardship over the earth and its creatures.


Scriptural Support for a Non-Literal Interpretation


The Broader Biblical Narrative


The broader biblical narrative supports a non-literal interpretation of the "days" of creation. For example, the Book of Hebrews refers to God's rest on the seventh day as ongoing (Hebrews 4:1-11), suggesting that the seventh "day" is not a literal 24-hour period but a symbolic representation of God's completed work and continued rest.


The Compatibility with Science


Interpreting the "days" of creation as extended periods harmonizes the biblical account with scientific evidence for an old earth and universe. Genesis 1:1 indicates that the universe had a beginning, aligning with the Big Bang theory. Additionally, the gradual development of life on earth over millions of years is consistent with the extended periods described in the creation account.


The Importance of Accurate Interpretation


Avoiding Misinterpretation


Misinterpreting the creation days as strictly literal 24-hour periods can lead to unnecessary conflicts between faith and science. By recognizing the flexibility of the term "day" in biblical context, believers can appreciate the harmony between God's revelation in Scripture and the discoveries of modern science.


Upholding Biblical Authority


An accurate interpretation of the creation account upholds the authority of Scripture while allowing for a reasoned engagement with scientific understanding. This approach helps believers maintain a credible and intellectually robust faith.


Practical Wisdom from the Creation Account


The creation account provides practical wisdom for living in God's world. Proverbs 3:21 states, "My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion." By understanding the creation narrative, believers can gain insights into God's nature, purpose, and the proper stewardship of creation.


Conclusion: Continuing the Exploration


In exploring whether the six days of creation were literal 24-hour days, it becomes evident that the term "day" in the Genesis account can signify extended periods of time. This interpretation aligns with various biblical references and the broader narrative of Scripture, allowing for a harmonious relationship between faith and scientific understanding.


The creation account in Genesis is not just a historical record but a theological declaration of God's sovereign power, creative order, and purposeful design. As we continue to study and reflect on these profound truths, we gain deeper insights into our Creator and our role within His creation.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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